Translating insights from development into regenerative medicine: the function of Wnts in bone biology

Semin Cell Dev Biol. 2008 Oct;19(5):434-43. doi: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2008.09.002. Epub 2008 Sep 7.

Abstract

The Wnt pathway constitutes one of the most attractive candidates for modulating skeletal tissue regeneration based on its functions during skeletal development and homeostasis. Wnts participate in every stage of skeletogenesis, from the self-renewal and proliferation of skeletal stem cells to the specification of osteochondroprogenitor cells and the maturation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts. We propose that the function of Wnts depend upon a skeletogenic cell's state of differentiation. In this review we summarize recent data with a focus on the roles of Wnt signaling in mesenchymal stem cell fate, osteoprogenitor cell differentiation, chondrocyte maturation, bone remodeling, and bone regeneration.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Development / physiology*
  • Bone Regeneration
  • Bone Remodeling
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism
  • Bone and Bones / physiology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Chondrocytes / cytology
  • Chondrocytes / physiology
  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Models, Biological
  • Physiological Phenomena / physiology*
  • Regenerative Medicine*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins